Top 8 Rain Barrel & Accessories
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About the Author: Jeremy Starke
I've been growing vegetables since I was 12 — over 30 years in the dirt. I share what actually works in my own Zone 6b garden, and what I wish someone had told me when I started.
Zone 6b · North Carolina · Gardening since age 12Last Updated 09/28/20
A rain barrel comes with various functions and cost-saving advantages. And it’s a great choice if you’ve got a large lawn or an outdoor garden.
However, getting the best rain barrel can be tricky without the right information. Find out all you need to know with me.
Best Rain Barrel and Accessories
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
GREEN THUMB  | FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000 Rain Barrel, 50 Gallon |
| Check Current Price |
SIMPLE DESIGN  | Good Ideas SV-ERS Rain Saver Barrel |
| Check Current Price |
SOLD OPTION  | Rain Barrel, Grade Barrel, Upcycled |
| Check Current Price |
BEST CHOICE  | Good Ideas Rain Wizard Barrel, 50 Gallon |
| Check Current Price |
BUDGET OPTION  | RTS Home Accents Rain Barrel & Spigot |
| Check Current Price |
HIGH RATINGS | Good Ideas Kha Rain Rain Barrel |
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ELEGANT DESIGN | Good Ideas Rain Wizard Barrel, 50 Gallon |
| Check Current Price |
MAX OPTIONS  | Emsco Group 2243-1 Rescue Rain Barrel |
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Rain Barrel Accessories
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
GREEN THUMB  | Lounsweer Rain Barrel Stand (45/50/55 Gallon) |
| Check Current Price |
GREEN THUMB  | EarthMinded DIY Rain Barrel Diverter Kit |
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GREEN THUMB  | Oatey Mystic Residential Downspouts |
| Check Current Price |
Best Rain Barrel Reviews
FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000 Rain Barrel, 50 Gallon
A 50-gallon flat-back barrel that sits flush to the wall, with a screened top that keeps out leaves and mosquitoes.
Link several together when one barrel isn’t enough.
Pros
- Flat back sits flush to the house
- Screened top blocks debris and mosquitoes
- Links to more barrels to expand
Cons
- Elevate it for better spigot flow
- Direct the overflow away from the foundation
Good Ideas SV-ERS Savannah Elevated Garden Rain Saver Barrel
One good idea is to purchase this 50-gallon rain saver barrel that comes with a bespoke planter post-Colonial design. It’s not just a stylish option but also functional and sturdy.
It has a flat-back design that saves space. Coupled with its 31.5 × 19.5 × 24.25" dimension, you can easily fit it into your preferred location without losing any of its functions.
What Caught My Attention
It comes with two spigots that ensure you can easily access the stored water. These spigots are brass made, meaning you enjoy the durability. Even more, it means you can service two areas simultaneously with this rain barrel.
You can always fit in a 5-gallon bucket while using a hose.
Pros
- It comes with a mesh screen that prevents dirt and other contaminants from entering the rain barrel.
- It has a flat-back design that guarantees suitability with your walls
- It has a routed self-drain system that diverts spills to the frontal side of your drum to prevent your foundation from getting flooded
Cons
- Consumers have complained that the barrel leaks after a short while
- Some consumers complained that the barrel swelled up and failed to revert to its original shape
- Food grade, repurposed previously used plastic barrel
- New brass spigot and new brass overflow valve
- Easy on/off twist top lid with new plastic mesh screen
Rain Barrel, DIY Kit, Used Food Grade Barrel, Upcycled
This is a credible rain barrel option that comes with functionality while being durable. It comes with a removable top lid that ensures you can easily access the barrel for cleaning and monitoring.
With this option, you also enjoy a BPA-free drum. This way, you can easily use it with your herbs, fruits, and veggies without worrying about their safety.
You also enjoy a brass overflow valve and spigot. This ensures that your barrel is durable and doesn’t get damaged easily.
It comes with a 58-gallon capacity and a dimension of 22 × 22 × 40".
What Caught My Attention
This rain barrel comes partially assembled. And this allows you to conveniently place the overflow system in a position that fits into your setup.
This option is also environmentally friendly as you save another drum from ending up in landfills.
Pros
- It is a food-grade, repurposed barrel
- It comes with a plastic anti-dirt screen that prevents leaves, sticks, animals, and other forms of dirt from getting into the drum
- It comes when a 100% waterproof silicone caulk
Cons
- It comes off as expensive when compared to other options
- Consumers have complained about its overflow system due to the small inner diameter of the overflow valve
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Water Collection Barrel with Brass Spigot
Another 50-gallon barrel, the RTS Home Accents, is another excellent choice. It comes with an oak mold that ensures your rain barrel is durable. With it, you’ll hardly have to worry about rot, fading, and insect infestation.
It also comes with a flat-back design customized within a 33.5 × 24 × 18.25", which ensures you save space. You can easily fit into your garden. You can also link it up to other barrels without stress.
What Caught My Attention
With it, you enjoy a molded stand that allows you to raise it easily. You can always place your bucket under without the risk of unstable stands. Then, there’s the high-quality spigot that offers superior durability.
Pros
- You enjoy an aluminum screen that ensures debris and other animals have no way into your rain barrel
- Comes with a nice classy look
- It has a front overflow system that ensures your walls don’t get flooded in cases of spills
Cons
- Consumers have complained about leaks within a short period of usage
- It doesn’t come with a removable lid, which makes monitoring and cleaning harder
- Consumers have complained that the screen tends to blow or wash off easily
Good Ideas RW50-Kha Rain Wizard Rain Barrel
This is another excellent choice thanks to its large capacity – 50 gallons. This ensures you have enough water to prepare for hot days.
Even more, it enjoys the make-up of polyethylene resin that’s extremely UV-resistant. In turn, this means you don’t have to worry about your water catching algae due to the sun.
It also has an overflow system that directs water to the front and stops your wall from getting all messy.
What Caught My Attention
With it, you get a rotationally molded rain barrel that can withstand splitting and crack even during winter. You also get a barrel with a 31 × 23 × 22" dimension, meaning you don’t have to worry about space.
Pros
- It comes with a flat-back pattern that allows you to save space and connect additional rain barrels where necessary
- It has a brass spigot (3/4 inches) that makes it easier for you to use buckets with it
- It comes with a plastic anti-dirt screen that makes it easier for you to keep out dirt, bugs, and other animals
Cons
- Some customers have complained about leaks and split after using it for a while
- It does not come with a removable lid, and that makes installation and cleaning challenging
Good Ideas Rain Wizard Barrel, 50 Gallon
A 50-gallon barrel molded to look like a wooden whiskey barrel, so it blends into the garden instead of looking like a plastic tank.
Flat back, brass spigot, and a screened lid.
Pros
- Decorative barrel-style look
- Brass spigot and screened lid
- Flat back against the wall
Cons
- Spigot sits low — raise it for watering cans
- Limited color options
Emsco Group 2243-1 Rescue 50 Gallon Flatback Whiskey Rain Barell
The final 50-gallon rain barrel on this list is a bespoke option that comes with a refined antique finish. It’s sure to add flair and class to your garden or lawn with its 19.88 × 27.88 × 29.88 dimensions.
It also has an integrated planter that supports personalized designs. For instance, you can use the water to grow your plants on it.
You also enjoy an overflow system that ensures you have nothing to worry about when it comes to your foundation.
Also, there’ll be no standing water to attract mosquitoes and other pests.
What Caught My Attention
It comes with a diverter system that allows you to connect your barrel to your downspout easily. Even more, you enjoy a clear installation guide that supports a seamless setup.
Pros
- It comes with a water diverter component that you can apply to various uses
- It has an overflow system that prevents your wall or foundation from soaking
- It comes with a nice design that fits into most homes
Cons
- Consumers have complained about leaks around the bottom area of the barrel
- Consumers have complained that the system bulges when full
Top Accessories for Your Rain Barrel System
Lounsweer Rain Barrel Stand (45/50/55 Gallon)
A steel stand that lifts a 45–55 gallon barrel high enough to slide a watering can under the spigot and boost gravity flow.
Rated to 500 pounds.
Pros
- Raises the spigot for easy filling
- 500 lb heavy-duty steel
- Fits common 45–55 gal barrels
Cons
- Assembly required
- Barrel not included
- Downspout Size: 3 x 4 Inches
- Parts: All Included (diverter, winter hole cover, hose, spigot, drain and cover, hole saw set, water seals and screws)
EarthMinded DIY Rain Barrel Diverter Kit
This is another kit that allows you to install a functional rain collection system in your home. It comes with various components such as a winter hole cover, spigot, cover, hole saw set, drain, water seals, and screw. You can also count on a comprehensive installation manual that makes things easy.
With this, all you’ll need is a rain barrel. Then, with some tools, you can start getting water from your garage, outbuilding, or home.
This kit is also multifunctional as it can fit into any regular 3- × 4-inch downspout. It also comes with the patented FlexiFit diverter that ensures overflows don’t have destructive effects on your homes.
This system automatically diverts water away once your barrel gets filled up. This way, mosquitoes, and other pests don’t accumulate.
Pros
- It supports easy and quick installation with its extensive instruction
- It’s an industry-leading rainwater collection system
- It provides all the necessary components that you need for your rainwater collection
Cons
- It doesn’t fit into the conventional 2- × 4-inch downspout. You will also need to measure your downspout before getting this kit
- It might come off as expensive
Oatey Mystic Rainwater Collection System Fits 2" X 3" Residential Downspouts
This is a functional accessory that allows you to enjoy a better experience with your rain barrel. It’s a kit that allows you to direct water into rain barrels from a downspout. It also comes with a filtration system that ensures dirt such as leaves don’t get into the barrel.
Also, you can fit this design into your residential downspout. You don’t have to stress as it comes designed to fit into it. It’s a two-piece style that fits downspouts of 2 × 3" dimension.
This option is also highly durable thanks to its UV-resistant component. So, you can trust that your extended usage under the sun will not damage it. Even more, you can always paint the system to fit into your home’s exterior.
Pros
- It comes with a UV-resistant plastic component that ensures high durability
- It comes with an installation guide that supports easy installation
- It comes with a 4-feet hi-flow hose that allows easy connection with your downspout
Cons
- Consumers have complained that it overflows during a heavy downpour
- Customers have complained about the hose getting bent
6 Advantages of A Rain Barrel
I don’t need to tell why it’s essential for your rain barrel to come with some advantages. I’m sure no one wants to buy something that brings nothing to the table.
Well, a rain barrel doesn’t fall under such a category. It comes with various advantages.
So, are you looking to spur yourself into buying a rain barrel? Here are some benefits.
1. It Improves Water Quality
Perhaps its most significant benefit is that you get improved water quality with rain barrels.
Typically, your water will run off and cross various areas after getting to the ground. In turn, this means it will pick up pollutants, pesticides, and even fertilizers. This significantly reduces water quality.
Then, with a rain barrel, you can avoid the rainwater encountering such contaminants. Great right?
2. It Helps You Conserve Water
You can’t deny that you need water in abundance when maintaining your home. Well, your water needs increase when you have a garden. And without a rain barrel, you’ll need to focus on your tap water for all your needs.
Well, with a rain barrel, you can now conserve your tap water. You tap into another water source. So, next time you need to wash your cars or clean the window, you don’t have to stress your tap water.
3. It Helps You Cope with Drought
I bet I’m not the only one that has trouble getting water during hot summer. Well, this is because of the considerable reliance of everyone on the available water.
In those hot summers, you’ll need to conserve water. And you might just be unable to meet all your water needs.
However, with a rain barrel, you have free water stored up that you rely on. Yes, you can’t ingest it. Still, you can use it for other activities in your lawn, garden, and home. This way, you preserve available water for drinking purposes.
4. It’s Great for Your Plants
If you don’t get a rain barrel for anybody, then get it for your plants. Rain barrels means you can get natural water for your plants.
Your plants don’t have to bear the chemical that comes with municipal water. In turn, this means they can thank you for the effort with greener and better growth.
5. It Prevents Erosion
When it rains, especially during a heavy downpour, your soil bears the brunt. Usually, your soul gets washed away.
Luckily, another benefit that comes with rain barrels is that it allows you to avoid this. By placing the barrels at strategic locations, there’s less water flowing heavily on the ground.
In turn, you preserve the soil. And, of course, the nutrients in the ground.
6. It Comes with Monetary Benefits
Yes, you’re paying to get a rain barrel. But the good thing is that you can recoup your money and more in the long run.
Look at how much you pay per month for water. And calculate an estimate of how much of it comes from watering your garden and some non-drinking uses.
Now, with a rain barrel, you can beat down your monthly payments. You take advantage of rainwater that’s free for your use.
How to Choose the Best Rain Barrel
Now, you know that rain barrels are an ideal buy. So, the time to take a step and buy has come. However, you’ll need to be sure you’re getting the right barrel.
Guess what? You can’t take any risk with this. Precisely, this might be the difference between a valuable purchase and a wrong purchase.
Don’t worry, here’s what to look out for to make the best choice.
4. Drill A Hole
Now you’ll need to drill a hole in the downspout. And another one in the rain barrel if it doesn’t already have one.
The trick is to connect the downspout to the barrel. For you to do this, here’s what you’ll need to do.
- Measure the height of your barrel, taking into consideration the stand if you decide to use one
- Now using the measurement you earlier obtained, determine the spot on the downspout that’s equal in length to your barrel’s height
- Mark the spot three inches lower than the first mark
- Now make a hole inside the downspout
- If your rain barrel doesn’t have a hole, make another hole here and ensure it’s close to your downspout
5. Connect Your Rain Barrel to the Downspout
Next up, using a diverter, connect your rain barrel to your downspout. For you to do this, place the diverter inside the downspout and screw it.
Then, use the hose you find on your diverter to connect it to the rain barrel.
6. Cover It
Now you’re practically done. All you’ll need to do is cover the rain barrel with its lid. And you can wait for the rain to fall.
Final Thoughts
I’ve told you about eight great rain barrels that you can get. However, you’ll most likely still have to pick one, even if you’re buying more than one.
In that case, I would recommend you go for the 4-Port Deluxe Rain Barrel. And the reasons are quite evident.
First, it comes with a 75-gallon capacity that ensures you won’t lack water even during a hot summer. There’s also the four-port capacity that brings excellent functionality.
Then, there’s the UV-resistant capacity that ensures durability isn’t in doubt. Coupled with its mesh screen that prevents debris, you get full value for money.
Also, you don’t have to worry about getting your foundation or walls soaked. It has an effective overflow system that ensures this.
So, now you should be ready to make a pick. Go on, and enjoy saving for the rainy days.
Meet Jeremy Starke
I've been growing vegetables since I was 12 — over 30 years in the dirt. I share what actually works in my own Zone 6b garden, and what I wish someone had told me when I started.
Zone 6b · North Carolina · Gardening since age 12 Read My Story →Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Rain Barrel A Good Idea?
Yes, it’s a good idea if you’re not drinking it. You can apply it to a wide range of non-drinking uses, and it’s even a better option for your plants as it’s chemical-free.
Why Are Rain Barrels Illegal?
Rain barrels stood prohibited because it infringed on the water rights that existed since the mid-1800s in many states. Fortunately, some states in America, like California, now allow you to catch water with rain barrels.
Do Rain Barrels Really Save Money?
Yes, rain barrels can help you save money thanks to reduced water bills. The EPA estimates that rain barrels save an average homeowner the cost of 1300 gallons of water.
What Is the Best Rain Barrel Diverter?
You’ll be making a smart choice with the EarthMinded DIY Rain Barrel Diverter. Not only does it support great functionality, but it’s also durable and cost-effective.
